Chicken Katsu – Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken with Tonkatsu Sauce
Introduction
Chicken Katsu is a beloved Japanese dish made with tender chicken cutlets, panko-breaded and fried to crispy perfection. It’s a staple in Japanese home kitchens and restaurants alike—comfort food at its finest, served with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and a sweet-savory Tonkatsu sauce.
If you’ve ever ordered a Katsu plate and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” now you can—with simple ingredients and just a bit of prep, you’ll have a meal that rivals any restaurant.
Why I Love This Recipe
Chicken Katsu hits the sweet spot between crispy and juicy, savory and slightly sweet. The homemade Tonkatsu sauceelevates the whole experience—it’s tangy, slightly spicy, and absolutely addictive.
Like the soul-warming depth of Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or the simplicity of Tomato Skillet with Okra, this dish delivers on flavor and comfort with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Tonkatsu Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken
Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: flour, eggs, and panko.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour
- Dip into egg
- Press into panko to coat well
3. Fry
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce
Combine all Tonkatsu sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over low for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
5. Serve
Slice chicken into strips or leave whole. Drizzle with sauce or serve it on the side. Pair with rice, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Success
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating stick better.
- For a lighter option, try baking at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Complete your Japanese comfort food plate with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or short-grain sticky rice
- Finely shredded raw cabbage
- A glass of chilled green tea or ginger lemonade
- Or a summery drink like Blueberry Lemonade
Craving more cozy meals? Try:
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover katsu in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air-fry to revive crispiness.
- Freeze: Bread raw chicken and freeze on a tray. Fry directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes of cook time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Grasshopper Pie – A cool minty dessert after a warm meal
- Easy Turkey Wings – For more meaty comfort food
Final Thoughts
Chicken Katsu is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into a meal to remember. Crispy, golden, juicy, and paired with that sweet-savory sauce—it’s pure satisfaction on a plate.
Tried it? Show us how yours turned out by tagging @chefmaniac. We love to see your golden creations!
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